RABI exists to serve farming people and we are determined to do so in the most effective, sustainable, and meaningful way possible. That is why we are making changes to our structure, not to simply save money, but to maximise the value of every pound spent and ensure our services and support to farming people across England and Wales delivers consistent positive change where this is needed most.
For many years, we have supported volunteers to come together as regionally based committee groups. These committees achieve great things across those areas of the country in which they are based. There are however large areas of England and Wales where volunteer committees don’t exist and there haven’t been opportunities for people to become involved in supporting or volunteering for RABI.
In addition to making changes that we believe will ensure that our existing volunteers are better equipped, with clearer roles, stronger backing, and more opportunities to get involved in ways that fit their lives and skills, these changes are about ensuring that, in the future, RABI volunteers are located in every farming community across England and Wales. This is not about replacing what exists, but about building something in volunteering that is consistent, local, effective and sustainable.
We recognise that the changes we are making include the loss of a small number of the RABI team, with whom the volunteers and the communities in which they have worked hold deep emotional ties. These volunteers and networks are important local connections that we understand cannot and should not be lost and we are committed to supporting and developing new networks within an updated structure that balances the strength of relationships with the need for efficiency and consistent delivery.
The opportunities ahead are significant. The new structure will strengthen local and regional connections, ensure greater representation at community events and meetings, and deliver consistent messaging across England and Wales. It will also help us uncover and support the many local engagements that happen every day but often go unseen at a national level. In short, it gives us the chance to expand RABI’s reach and impact in smarter, more coordinated ways.
This is about growth, not reduction; about strengthening, not withdrawing. It is about ensuring that every farmer, wherever they live, has the same opportunity to connect with RABI’s services and support. By making these changes now, we are building the foundations for a stronger, more connected organisation – one that can serve the farming community more effectively, now and into the future.
Our Regional Support Managers – who are vital to the support we give as a charity – remain unaffected by these changes. They will continue to provide direct service and support to the farming community.
How we’re strengthening our support
- More support for committees with clearer roles, consistent processes, and better access to resources.
- New opportunities to get involved such as Community Champions, Show Volunteers, and Community Fundraisers.
- Stronger local presence with more consistent representation at shows, events and meetings across England and Wales.
- Better coordination including sharing best practice and giving volunteers the backing they need.
- Growth and investment by aiming to triple community fundraising income by 2030 and have over 1,000 volunteers in our network.
- Focused on the future to ensure more farmers and families know about and can access RABI’s services when they need them.
RABI exists to serve farming people and we are determined to do so in the most effective, sustainable, and meaningful way possible. That is why we are making changes to our structure, not to simply save money, but to maximise the value of every pound spent and ensure our services and support to farming people across England and Wales delivers consistent positive change where this is needed most.
For many years, we have supported volunteers to come together as regionally based committee groups. These committees achieve great things across those areas of the country in which they are based. There are however large areas of England and Wales where volunteer committees don’t exist and there haven’t been opportunities for people to become involved in supporting or volunteering for RABI.
In addition to making changes that we believe will ensure that our existing volunteers are better equipped, with clearer roles, stronger backing, and more opportunities to get involved in ways that fit their lives and skills, these changes are about ensuring that, in the future, RABI volunteers are located in every farming community across England and Wales. This is not about replacing what exists, but about building something in volunteering that is consistent, local, effective, and sustainable.
We recognise that the changes we are making include the loss of a small number of the RABI team, with whom the volunteers and the communities in which they have worked hold deep emotional ties. These volunteers and networks are important local connections that we understand cannot and should not be lost and we are committed to supporting and developing new networks within an updated structure that balances the strength of relationships with the need for efficiency and consistent delivery.
The opportunities ahead are significant. The new structure will strengthen local and regional connections, ensure greater representation at community events and meetings, and deliver consistent messaging across England and Wales. It will also help us uncover and support the many local engagements that happen every day but often go unseen at a national level. In short, it gives us the chance to expand RABI’s reach and impact in smarter, more coordinated ways.
This is about growth, not reduction; about strengthening, not withdrawing. It is about ensuring that every farmer, wherever they live, has the same opportunity to connect with RABI’s services and support. By making these changes now, we are building the foundations for a stronger, more connected organisation – one that can serve the farming community more effectively, now and into the future.
Our Regional Support Managers – who are vital to the support we give as a charity – remain unaffected by these changes. They will continue to provide direct service and support to the farming community.
How we’re strengthening our support
• More support for committees with clearer roles, consistent processes, and better access to resources.
• New opportunities to get involved such as Community Ambassadors, Show Volunteers, and Community Fundraisers.
• Stronger local presence with more consistent representation at shows, events and meetings across England and Wales.
• Better coordination including sharing best practice and giving volunteers the backing they need.
• Growth and investment by aiming to triple community fundraising income by 2030 and have over 1,000 volunteers in our network.
• Focused on the future to ensure more farmers and families know about and can access RABI’s services when they need them.
